OMEGA and the Olympics: Precision Under Pressure

When medals are decided by fractions of a second, timekeeping becomes just as critical as athletic performance. At the Olympic Games—especially the Winter Olympics, where speed, endurance, and extreme conditions collide—absolute precision is non-negotiable. That responsibility belongs to OMEGA, the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games and a brand trusted to measure history in motion.

As the Official Timekeeper of the Winter Olympic Games, OMEGA operates behind the scenes to ensure every jump, finish, and record-breaking moment is captured with total accuracy.

The Beginning: One Watchmaker, 30 Chronographs

OMEGA’s Olympic story began in 1932 at the Los Angeles Games, when a single watchmaker arrived with 30 split-second chronographs to time every event. It was a modest start—but one that would forever change the way sport is measured.

At a time when most competitions relied on human observation alone, OMEGA introduced a new standard of precision. That first appearance laid the foundation for what would become one of the longest and most technologically advanced partnerships in Olympic history.

A Century of Evolution and Innovation

As the Games evolved, so did OMEGA’s technology. Over the decades, the brand introduced groundbreaking innovations that transformed sports timekeeping:

• 1948: Introduction of photo-electric cells, replacing manual timing with automated accuracy
  
• 1964: Launch of the OMEGAscope, allowing live television audiences to see race times unfold in real time
  
• Advanced touchpads: Revolutionizing events like swimming and speed skating with instant, ultra-precise finishes
  

Each advancement was designed with one goal in mind: to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidence in every result—no matter the sport or conditions.

Why the Olympics Trust OMEGA

OMEGA’s expertise goes beyond watches. Today, the brand designs and deploys fully integrated timekeeping systems capable of performing in extreme cold, high speeds, and high-pressure environments.

From laser-based measurement systems and motion sensors to photo-finish cameras capturing up to 10,000 images per second, OMEGA’s technology ensures results are precise down to the smallest measurable unit of time.

It’s why OMEGA doesn’t just participate in the Olympics—they help define them.

Becoming a Worldwide Olympic Partner

In 2004, OMEGA became a Worldwide Olympic Partner through the Olympic Partner Programme, cementing its role as the official timekeeper for all Olympic events.

Today, OMEGA is responsible for timing:

• Summer Olympic Games
  
• Winter Olympic Games
  
• Paralympic Games
  
• Youth Olympic Games
  

This level of trust reflects not only OMEGA’s technical excellence, but its unwavering commitment to the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and fair play.

What OMEGA Does for the Athletes

For athletes, OMEGA’s role is deeply personal.

Years of training come down to moments measured in thousandths of a second. OMEGA ensures those moments are recorded with absolute integrity.

• Photo-finish technology separates medalists with indisputable clarity
  
• Touchpads and pressure sensors ensure precise start and finish times
  
• Real-time data delivery gives athletes and coaches immediate access to results
  
• Consistent accuracy ensures every competitor is judged equally
  

When an athlete stands on the podium, they can trust that their performance—and their place in history—was measured fairly.

Looking Ahead: Milano Cortina 2026 and Beyond

OMEGA will once again serve as Official Timekeeper at the Milano Cortina 2026, continuing its legacy on the world stage. The partnership is set to extend through the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking 100 years of Olympic timekeeping excellence.

A century of precision. A century of innovation. A century of trust.

A Legacy You Can Wear

The same philosophy that times the Olympic Games lives inside every OMEGA timepiece. From cutting-edge chronographs to Master Chronometer movements, each watch reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of accuracy and performance.

At Lewis Jewelers, we’re proud to represent a brand that doesn’t simply measure time—but helps define the moments that matter most.